More from WebMD

Sept. 15, 2008 -- Mars Petcare is recalling pet food products manufactured
at its Everson, Pa., facility because of a potential salmonella contamination. In addition to being
dangerous for pets, the pet food could sicken people who handle the food.

Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are
particularly vulnerable. If you think you may have been exposed, look for
symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and
fever.

On rare occasions, salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including
arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle
pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. The FDA urges people with
these symptoms who have come into contact with the pet products to contact
a health care provider.

Some animals may have similar symptoms, but others may have minimal or no
symptoms. Whether or not they have signs, they could infect other animals and
humans.

Many pet food brands are produced at the plant, including several varieties
of Pedigree and a number of flavors of Special Kitty Gourmet. A complete list
of brands is posted on the FDA web
site.

Mars Petcare stopped production at the Everson facility July 29 after
learning of a possible link between dry pet food produced at the plant and two
isolated cases of people infected with salmonella. The company is now
implementing a voluntary recall of all products produced at the facility
between Feb. 18 and July 29; only the U.S. is affected.